ALS (Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis)
Medically reviewed by Drugs.com. Last updated on May 6, 2024.
AMBULATORY CARE:
Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS)
is a condition that damages the cells of your motor nerves. The motor nerves direct your muscles to move. These muscles gradually weaken and waste away. Over time, ALS may lead to total paralysis, including the muscles for breathing. It is a progressive disease that becomes fatal over time. ALS is also called Lou Gehrig disease.
Common signs and symptoms of ALS:
The early symptoms of ALS include muscle weakness, tightness or stiffness, and cramps. These symptoms occur in a leg or arm. Early symptoms may instead include slurred or nasal speech, or difficulty chewing or swallowing. Symptoms worsen and spread to other parts of your body over time. You may also have any of the following:
- A weak hand grip, dropping things often, or trouble buttoning clothes or writing
- Tiredness more than usual, dragging one leg, or tripping when you walk
- Arm or leg jerks while resting
- Muscle twitching
- Drooling or trouble breathing
Call your local emergency number (911 in the US) or have someone call if:
- You have severe chest pain.
- You suddenly have trouble breathing.
Call your doctor or neurologist if:
- You have a fever.
- You have chills, a cough, or feel weak and achy.
- You are depressed and feel you cannot cope with your condition.
- You have questions or concerns about your condition or care.
Treatment for ALS
focuses on trying to ease your symptoms and slow the rate that the disease progresses. Medicines may be given to reduce the damage to the motor neurons by decreasing the release of glutamate. You may also be given medicines to ease muscle cramps, fatigue, and excessive saliva or mucus. ALS cannot be cured.
Rehabilitation programs for ALS:
Rehabilitation programs can teach you skills to ease symptoms and improve your quality of life:
- A physical therapist can teach you exercises to stay active and independent as long as possible. In the early stages of ALS, low-impact exercises will help strengthen your muscles that are not affected. Leg and ankle splints may support your weak muscles. Range of motion exercises will help the jerkiness in your muscles and prevent shortening of muscles.
- A speech therapist may work with you to improve how you communicate and eat. ALS may cause your voice to change or cause you to have problems talking or swallowing. The speech therapist will also teach you which foods and liquids are safe to eat and drink. The therapist can also help you with devices to help you communicate with others.
- An occupational therapist can help you care for yourself as long as possible. The therapist can teach you skills to help you bathe, dress, and eat. An occupational therapist suggests equipment to help you at home or work. Examples of equipment include a walker, wheelchair, or ramp. The therapist will suggest ways to keep your home or work place safe.
Treatment options
The following list of medications are related to or used in the treatment of this condition.
Nutrition:
You may need to change what you eat and drink if you have problems chewing and swallowing. A dietitian or nutritionist will help you plan meals and answer your questions. Eat softer and smaller pieces of food, such as custards, puddings, yogurt, gelatins, and soft fruits. You will not need to chew these foods. Avoid foods that may cause eating and swallowing problems:
- Food or liquid that is thin or runny can run into your lungs and cause irritation or blockage.
- Food that is dry, fibrous, or bony, such as dry toast, pineapple, bony fish, may irritate your throat.
- Food that is sticky, such as a thick sauce or peanut butter, may be hard to swallow. Thinning the food may help.
- Avoid food with skin or seeds, such as corn, berries, and nuts. These foods may be difficult to chew and digest.
Make your needs known:
Make your wishes about your care and quality of life known. You may need to speak to a social worker to know all of your options. Speak to family members about your wishes. Write them down. You can change your mind any time during the process.
Follow up with your doctor or neurologist as directed:
Write down your questions so you remember to ask them during your visits.
For more information:
- ALS Association
1275 K Street NW, Suite 250
Washington , DC 20005
Phone: 1- 202 - 407-8580
Web Address: alsa.org
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The above information is an educational aid only. It is not intended as medical advice for individual conditions or treatments. Talk to your doctor, nurse or pharmacist before following any medical regimen to see if it is safe and effective for you.
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